Benefits of being a vegetarian

Almost every girl at one time or the other has thought of going vegetarian. There are some great motives for doing it – living longer and living healthier. Some are animal lovers and are thus ethically opposed to eating animal flesh. Some thing it’s a way to lose weight and stay fit. But there are more reasons for all of us to consider being vegetarian. Read these carefully and maybe it will inspire you to change your way of life.

 

 

1. To stand up for animals
This is the first and the most important reason why people decide to become vegetarians. Think how many animals you can save. These animals suffer in tiny cages and crates. According to US Department of Agriculture, 9.1 billion animals were slaughtered for food in 2011. Just think how your steak was made and maybe you’ll change your mind and start eating vegetables.

 

2. Less chance of heart disease
Red meats are high in saturated fat, so eating meat increases the risk of coronary heart disease. And vegetarians have a lower risk for cardiac events. There are a lot of products in a vegetarian diet that keep blood sugar levels steady and help reduce cholesterol levels: whole grains, legume, nuts, potatoes, white rice, white-flour products.

3. Lower risk of cancer
According to different studies eating lots of fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of developing cancers, especially breast cancer. ‘Foods with high levels of fat artificially boost the hormones that promote cancer’- according to non-profit group The Cancer Project. A diet with a large amount of fruits and vegetables have protective benefits.

 

 

4. You’ll build strong bones
Our skeletons lose strength over time and we need to protect our bones. It’s better to start when you’re still young. Dairy products such as yogurt, cheese and lactose-free milk are a great way to support your bones and teeth structure. But vegetarians have more nutrients that are necessary for the body to absorb and use calcium. They get a dose of calcium from tofu, soymilk, dry beans, broccoli, turnip greens, kale.

 

5. Lose weight
Every girl is dreaming to stay fit. A vegetarian diet can help to save calories and maintain a healthy weight over time. When you eat vegetables and fruits, you don’t really need to count calories, measure portions and you don’t feel hungry so often.

6. A better mood
A vegetarian diet can make you feel less stressed and you’ll feel happier and more ‘balanced’. Vegetarian products are high in arachidonic acid (AA) that affects the mood. New studies showed that vegetarians have lower incidences of depression, mood problems and anxiety.

 

7. Go green
You may be surprised to know that being a vegetarian is a way to reduce pollution. But raising cattle for meat spews more greenhouse gases into the air than cars on the road. The livestock industry wreaks havoc on our land and pollutes the waterways more than any other industry. It’s a strong reason to think again of being a vegetarian.